Vale in the running for industry Oscar

Wales’ largest spa has become the only spa in the country to be shortlisted for a national beauty industry accolade at this year’s Professional Beauty Awards.

The Vale Spa, at the Vale Resort near Hensol, has gone through a rigorous inspection and mystery shopper experience in order to be in the running to win the title of Elemis Residential Spa of the Year (11 rooms or more) at a glittering award ceremony in the London Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair, on 4 March.

It now faces competition from the most luxurious spa venues across the UK, including The Spa at Rockliffe Hall, in Darlington, County Durham, Oceo Spa at Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel, in Gorey, County Wexford, The Spa at Oulton Hall, in Leeds and Kallima Spa at London Syon Park, Brentford.

This recognition comes hot on the heels of its £250,000 refurbishment, which saw the Vale Resort become the only spa in Wales to achieve a five-bubble rating from the Good Spa Guide, the highest rating of its kind.

The quarter-of-a-million pound refresh enabled the Vale Spa to launch a number of exclusive new features, such as its four relaxation zones, which are designed specifically to extend the spa experience to make treatments more beneficial and create a stress-free environment.

Stephen Leeke, managing director of the Vale Resort, said: “We’re delighted to have come this far in the Professional Beauty Awards, and are thrilled to be up against some of the biggest names in the spa industry.

“The fact that we’ve made the shortlist of such a prestigious award just goes to show how the status of our facilities has risen since our recent investment, and it serves as fantastic recognition of the quality of the new facilities that we are able to offer.

“We believe that visiting a spa shouldn’t just be about the treatments you receive, but the experience as a whole. Our new facilities enable customers to enjoy their treatments for longer, giving them the option to unwind in one of our bespoke relaxation zones, enjoy an indulgent snack in our new cafe, or take a quick nap on one of our water beds.

“This way, customers can really take the time to feel rested or rejuvenated – making the whole process much more beneficial.

“The fact that this approach has led to our position as a finalist in these awards is a fantastic achievement in itself. We’re thrilled that this is another step towards becoming one of the top three spa facilities in the UK and we’re now looking forward to the award ceremony with great anticipation.”

In addition to the Vale Spa’s four new relaxation zones, such as its chill-out, water and sleep relaxation zones, its new offering includes an exclusive range of Sundari treatments, which were created by supermodel, Christy Turlington. These Indian-inspired Sundari treatments are based on ancient philosophies and ayerverdic medicine to promote outer radiance and inner serenity.